Potential Options for the Cleveland Browns at Pick No. 54
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Draft night isn’t quite the same as it used to be for fans of the Cleveland Browns. This is the third straight year we have been without a first-round draft pick, and in the new format where only the first round airs on Thursday Night, it takes a lot of the fun out of it.
Even though the Browns don’t have a pick, I’ll certainly be watching with the hope that maybe Berry will find a way to trade into the back half and find the perfect fit for this team. After overachieving for much of the 2023 season, the conclusion of being blown out in the playoffs still doesn’t sit well with many.
There is still good news for the organization, as they bring back a loaded roster, a healthy Deshaun Watson, and some key additions in free agency. This will be a draft where Andrew Berry will have the power to draft the best available player, which should make it easier to make the right decision.
Below are a few best-case scenarios that could occur on Friday night when the Browns have their first pick in round two.
Kris Jenkins, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
I’ll admit, the scenario of getting Kris Jenkins at pick no. 54 would be a dream come true. Jenkins is one of those rare guys who is 300 pounds but has the athleticism of a 240-pound linebacker. Not only does Jenkins have the ability to collapse the pocket right up the middle, but he also has the strength and leverage to defend against the run.
One could argue that Jer’Zhan Newton and Ruke Orhorhoro are in the same class as Jenkins, but as far as an all-around NFL player, Jenkins would be no. one on my board. It’s hard to believe that a number one position player could fall to no. 54 in the draft, but stranger things have happened at defensive tackle in the past.
I’m not going to hold my breath on this happening, but even if Jenkins was on the board at the halfway point of the second round, I think the Browns would certainly want to kick the tires on if it’s worth moving up.
Berry could be set on a guy like Michael Hall Jr. later in the draft which may make him less aggressive in wanting to move up.
Christian Haynes, Guard, UConn
With the poor play of the offensive line last year, I certainly think drafting an offensive lineman is in play with pick no. 54. The Cleveland Browns have a ton of money already tied up at the position, but drafting a young player who could eventually take over will give the Browns more flexibility moving forward.
A player that I really like is Christian Haynes from the University of Connecticut. Haynes has the skillset and tape to go as early as the first round, but some teams will be scared of his length and strength. Obviously, you can’t make someone bigger, but with the motor he has, I believe a team can put some muscle on him quickly.
Haynes is athletic and can move in the running game if needed, and does a great job keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage in pass protection. Pair that with his four years of starting experience, and I think he will eventually be a starting guard in the NFL.
Berry may think he has a chance at him in round three if he’s still around at pick no. 54, but I see him as a perfect fit for the Browns and would be thrilled to see him taken at no. 54.
Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker, Texas A&M
Luckily for the Browns, their three biggest needs (Interior OL, ILB, and DT) are three of the least valued positions in the draft. With that being said, there is a real chance that a gem could fall right in their lap. Similar to Jenkins, I don’t necessarily believe that Edgerrin Cooper will make it all the way to pick no. 54, but if he even gets close, Berry should be on the phone trying to get him.
I love Cooper for two reasons. One, I think he could play some substantial snaps at inside linebacker this year. He’s a true 3-4 outside linebacker, but I think Jim Schwartz would use him in running situations and find a way to utilize him blitzing and make him a great addition.
Second, I think after a full year in the NFL he would have a real shot at being a great 4-3 defensive end. He certainly would need to put on some weight, but if he could add 20-30 pounds and keep most of his athleticism, he would be a fantastic edge rusher.
Cooper already has great hands to help shed blockers and was a monster behind the line of scrimmage at A&M. Remember, the last guy the Browns took from Texas A&M didn’t work out too badly.
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